Method and apparatus for a modular postage accounting system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for a modular postage accounting system. An open system metering device of the present invention includes a general purpose computer, a digital printer and a secure metering device (SMD). The SMD performs the accounting functions of a postage meter and generates encrypted postage indicia data for transmission by the computer to the digital printer and subsequent printing on a mailpiece by the digital printer. Postage credit data can be entered into the SMD using a computerized meter resetting system just as it is in a conventional postage meter.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following three commonly-owned copending applications, including this one, are being filed concurrently and the other two are incorporated by reference into this application:

C. Shah and D. T. Gilham, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTHENTICATION OF POSTAGE ACCOUNTING REPORTS" U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/561,662, filed Nov. 22, 1995;

C. Shah and K. Robertson entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUNDANT POSTAGE ACCOUNTING DATA FILES" U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/562,143, filed Nov. 22, 1995;

C. Shah and K. Robertson entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A MODULAR POSTAGE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM" U.S. patent application No. 08/562,268, filed Nov. 22, 1995.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for a modular postage accounting system. More specifically, the present invention allows the printing of postage using any computer having the proper communications and printing capabilities.

Historically, postage meters have been dedicated, stand-alone devices, capable only of printing postage indicia on envelopes (or labels, in the case of parcels). These devices resided at a user site and could provide postage metering for that site alone. Such postage meters required the user to physically transport the device to a post office for resetting (increasing the amount of postage contained in the meter). An advance over this system was the ability to allow users to reset their meters via codes, provided by either the manufacturer or the postal authority once payment by the customer had been made. In contrast, modern electronic meters are often capable of being reset directly by an authorized party, on-site (at the user's location) via a communications link. A system which performs meter resetting in this manner is known as a Computerized Meter Resetting System (or "CMRS"). The party having authority to reset the meter and charge the customer (usually the manufacturer or the postal authority) thus gains access to and resets the meter.

Postage meters are still, unfortunately, restricted to use at a single customer location. As such devices are dedicated (and rather sophisticated in their fail-safes and security), their price tends to be prohibitive for small companies. What is needed is a system which can be connected to existing computer equipment to allow the efficient, economical printing of postage indicia. Such a system would provide postage at a user's location at the user's request.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, an apparatus and method are described for a modular postage accounting system (MPAS). As will be discussed, many configurations are possible, due to the modularity of the system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an open system metering device of the present invention consists of a general purpose computer, a digital printer and a secure metering device (SMD). The SMD performs the accounting functions of a postage meter and generates encrypted postage indicia data for transmission by the computer to the digital printer and subsequent printing on a mailpiece. Postage credit data can be entered into the SMD using a CMRS just as it is in a conventional postage meter. This configuration requires the user to maintain a special item of hardware (the SMD) in order to print postage purchased via the CMRS.

In another embodiment, the present invention eliminates that requirement by embedding the SMD functions within the CMRS computer system. A user who has obtained the required license from the postal service can contract with the meter company to interface the user's general purpose computer to the CMRS computer via modem and telephone line. In effect, this provides the postage meter function on a service basis. This has the advantage of simplifying resetting and accounting procedures for the user and eliminates the leasing or housing of any special equipment. Also eliminated is the need to present metering equipment for postal inspection. It also enables one SMD to handle multiple sites in a common account, to accommodate multi-site users that have centralized accounting functions. This last capability has never been possible within the architecture of past or present postage metering systems.

The present invention uses the telephone system to link the user's standard general-purpose computer to a dedicated central-office CMRS computer system. One or more SMD modules may be either attached to or embedded in either the user's computer or the CMRS computer. A single SMD module may an be dedicated to a specific user or it may serve a number of computers. Multiple computers may be placed at one or more sites and multiple sites may be geographically separated. Each SMD module performs all the data storage and accounting functions of a conventional postage meter, and transmits encrypted indicia data for printing. By virtue of the SMD's central location in the system, it automatically consolidates postage accounting data relevant to all the sites it serves. Such data may also be separated so as to report on individual sites. This functionality, too, is unique to the present invention.

The CMRS validates requests from users, and having done so transfers funds from the user's bank account to the postal service's receiving account. The CMRS then either resets the user's postage metering device with the prepaid amount directly, or issues a one-time code to let the user accomplish the reset using the computer's keyboard. In the present invention, this resetting process can be done within a few seconds (in real-time), allowing for near-continuous processing of mail by the user. The CMRS is in constant communication with each SMD, and validation of a reset order can be reduced to a single keystroke, if desired. Once validated by the user, the remainder of the transaction is done by the CMRS/SMD system without further operator intervention.

The present invention allows a multi-site user's individual sites to process mail continuously, with payment to the post office and replenishment of credit handled through central accounting facilities. As long as the user's central accounting facility maintains adequate fund reserves, the individual sites have access to an on-line service which provides postage on an as-needed basis. The need for individual cash accounts to prepay on-site postage meters is thus eliminated, realizing an improvement in corporate cash-flow and better control of the user's funds.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a specific embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a secure communications link between a general purpose computer and a secure metering device;

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a postage indicium produced by the present invention with postage information symbology located inside the postage indicium;

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a postage indicium produced by the present invention with postage information symbology located outside the postage indicium;

FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an example of a postage indicium produced by the present invention without postage information symbology;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an enlarged example of a postage indicium produced by the present invention with postage information symbology located inside the postage indicium;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a secure metering device (SMD);

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an SMD having a network interface and printing capabilities;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing second specific embodiment of the present invention, wherein the SMD is connected to a resetting station computer;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third specific embodiment of the present invention using a local area network for the communications medium;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention using a local area network for the communications medium; and

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an auditing system for preventing the printing of fraudulent postage indicia.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an MPAS 1 designed according to the present invention. MPAS 1 consists of three major components: a CMRS 105, a ZIP-code information system (ZCIS) 191 and an open system metering device (OSMD) 5. The first component, CMRS 105, is a system based on modem communications between a modern electronic postage meter (not shown) and a resetting station computer 120. Well known in the art, the operation of CMRS 105 is the subject of government standards and, while CMRS 105's interaction with OSMD 5 will be discussed later, the operation of CMRS 105 will not be treated in detail here. The second component, ZCIS 191, provides computer access to U.S. ZIP-codes and international postal codes. ZCIS 191 is a commercially-available system, with some 150 installations in the U.S. As such, the operation of ZCIS 191 will not be treated in detail either. However, the interaction between ZCIS 191 and OSMD 5 will also be discussed later. The final component, OSMD 5, performs all of the functions traditionally associated with conventional postage meters and may include a secure metering device (SMD) 10, a general purpose computer (GPC) 20, an electronic scale 40 and a digital printer 60. SMD 10 performs the accounting functions generally associated with the traditional postage meter. SMD 10 generates encrypted postage indicia for transmission by the computer to digital printer 60, where it is subsequently printed on a mailpiece (exemplified by a mailpiece 100).

According to the invention, FIG. 1A shows SMD 10 attached to GPC 20 via a secure communications link 30. Secure communications link 30 may be any mechanism for transferring information that is impervious to unauthorized interception, for example sending encrypted data over an RS-232C serial communications line, transmitting data by wireless techniques (with or without encryption), or by embedding SMD 10 in GPC 20. SMD 10 may be housed separately from GPC 20. As shown in FIG. 1B, a secure housing 11 is provided for SMD 10 to prevent tampering by unauthorized persons. Alternately, SMD 10, may also be housed within GPC 20 and communicate directly with a bus system 18. This communication may be encrypted, if desired. To provide added security on such configuration, encryption may be used on the software residing in GPC 20.

FIG. 1B is a simplified block diagram of GPC 20 in which the present invention may be embodied. In accordance with known practice, GPC 20 includes a processor 12 that communicates with a number of peripheral devices via bus subsystem 18. These peripheral devices typically include a memory subsystem 21, a user input facility 31, a display subsystem 24, output devices such as a printer 17, and a file storage system 13. Memory subsystem 21 may consist of a number of memory units, including a main random access memory (RAM) 22 and a read only memory (ROM) 23 in which fixed instructions may be stored. User input facility 31 typically includes a keyboard 32 and may further include a pointing device 33 (e.g., a mouse, trackball or the like) or other common input devices, such as other input devices(s) 34. Display subsystem 24 typically includes a display device 26 (e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT) or similar device) coupled to display controller 25. File storage system 13 may include a hard disk 14, a floppy disk 15 or other storage media 16.

In this context, the term "bus subsystem" is used generically so as to include any mechanism for letting the various components of the system communicate with each other as intended. With the exception of the input devices and the display, the other components need not be at the same physical location. Thus, for example, portions of the file storage system could be connected via various local-area or wide-area network media, including telephone lines. Similarly, the input devices and display need not be at the same location as the processor, although it is anticipated that the present invention will most often be implemented in the context of general purpose computers and workstations.

Bus subsystem 18 is shown schematically as a single bus, but a typical system has a number of buses such as a local bus and one or more expansion buses (e.g., ADB, SCSI, ISA, EISA, MCA, NuBus, or PCI), as well as serial and parallel ports. Network connections are usually established through a device such as a network adapter on one of these expansion buses or a modem on a serial port. The computer system may be a desktop system or a portable system, or may be a larger "mainframe" system.

As FIG. 1A indicates, a communications line 90 (e.g., a parallel printer line) connects GPC 20 to digital printer 60 (preferably a laser-printer). This facilitates the printing of postage indicia on labels and envelopes (exemplified here by mailpiece 100), optionally, electronic scale 40 may be attached to GPC 20 (via a communications line 70). A communications line 80 (e.g., an RS-232C serial communications line) also connects GPC 20 to a communications interface device 50 (e.g., a modem). Communications interface device 50 provides access to computerized meter resetting system (CMRS) 105 via a communications medium 110. Resetting station computer 120 communicates postage information (for example, resetting information or auditing information) with GPC 20 and SMD 10 via a communications interface device 130 connected to communications medium 110 and to resetting station computer 120 via a communications line 140. Optionally, GPC 20 and SMD 10 may communicate with ZCIS computer 150. ZCIS computer 150 is connected to communications medium 110 via a communications line 170 and a communications interface device 160. Also connected to ZCIS computer 150 via a communications line 190 is a CD-ROM device 180, which holds U.S. ZIP-code and international postal code information.

As is well known in the art, a system such as this requires operating software (not shown). Software resident on GPC 20 enables GPC 20 to communicate with CMRS 105, SMD 10, digital printer 60 and, optionally, electronic scale 40. Software with these capabilities is commercially available, and so will not be described in detail herein. The protocol used by CMRS 105 (which supports communication between SMD 10, GPC 20 and CMRS 105) is also well-known, as it is the subject of a U.S. government standard. Software resident on SMD 10 is also well-known and is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,307, by Quatse et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Communication between GPC 20 and SMD 10 is bi-directional. GPC 20 sends control commands and information requests to SMD 10. SMD 10, in return, may send human-readable data (in response to information requests), postage indicia (in response to postage requests and which are encrypted) or both. For example, postage is requested by a user (not shown) by the user's entering postage information into GPC 20. GPC 20 sends this information, together with mail class/service, any other values required (e.g., insurance) and the destination ZIP-code to SMD 20. Any failure in this communication prevents further issuance of postage by SMD 10. In turn, SMD 10 responds by generating a secure (via encryption) postage indicia file together with a license number and transmitting that information to GPC 20. GPC 20 then takes this information and constructs a postage indicia print file including a two-dimensional code, graphical information and human-readable data. The postage indicia print file, together with optional information (such as address information, ZIP-code barcoding and any user-defined information) is transmitted to printer 60 for printing.

Printer 60 then imprints the postage indicium and other information onto an envelope (mailpiece 100), a label (not shown) or other means of affixation of postage. Examples of postage indicia are shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. As shown in FIG. 3 (an enlargement of FIG. 2A), a postage indicium 195 may include such features as a graphic 196, human-readable postage information 197 and encoded postage information 198. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, encoded postage information 198 may be included inside or outside postage indicium 195, or omitted entirely. Tables 1 and 2 include listings of other communications which can occur between GPC 20 and SMD 10.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                                         2                                                              Communications Between GPC and SMD                                                   DESCRIP-                                                                 ITEM  TION      FUNCTION  APPROACH                                             ______________________________________                                         1     SERVICES:                                                                1.1   Install   To reset the                                                                             User follows instructions to                                         lock on the                                                                              connect the SMD via the PC system                                    SMD which to the Neopost remote centre.                                        is set by the                                                                            Once the status is checked a code                                    factory   is transmitted to unlock the SMD                                     before    for use. Successful unlock is                                        shipping. confirmed. A way to ensure the                                                 correct install location may also                                              be required.                                         1.2   Reset Postage                                                                            To charge Direct connect version of POC.                                       the SMD   Read and check registers and make                                    with a new                                                                               and confirm transaction. Any                                         postage   amount limitations eg                                                payment.  min/max/increments will be                                                     controlled by the POC centre.                        1.3   Set Reset To block the                                                                             After receipt of a sequence of 16                          Code Lock SMD in the                                                                               wrong postage payment reset codes                                    event of an                                                                              the SMD will lock-out. A message                                     attempted is sent to the user with                                             misuse.   instructions.                                        1.4   Unlock Code                                                                              To reset the                                                                             The user must contact the Neopost                                    SMD       POC enquiry line. If a reset is                                      lock-out  to be initiated the register                                         condition.                                                                               status is validated and a reset                                                code is issued and the unlock                                                  action confirmed.                                    1.5   Remote    To read the                                                                              In the event of a detectable fault                         Diagnostics                                                                              contents of                                                                              which could put accountability at                          Status    the fault risk the SMD is blocked and the                                      register. fault is recorded. On-line the                                                 Neopost support service will be                                                able to read the fault register.                     1.6   Reset Soft                                                                               To reset a                                                                               In the event that accountability                           Fault     soft fault                                                                               is not compromised and following                                     which     verification of data a code can be                                   unblocks  issued to reset the fault flag.                                      the SMD.  The resetting of the flag is                                                   confirmed. If the fault proves to                                              be permanent the SMD must be                                                   returned for service or                                                        replacement.                                         1.7   Reconfigure                                                                              To recon- A read confirmation is made                                          figure certain                                                                           followed by a code which changes                                     parameters                                                                               the status of variant registers.                                     in the SMD                                                                               The reconfiguration action must be                                   which have                                                                               verified before the SMD is                                           been      released again for use.                                              designed into                                                                            It should be possible to                                             the system.                                                                              configure:                                                                     a) decimal or fraction                                                         b) change inspection period in                                                 months from 3 to 12, for example,                                              and                                                                            c) correct any permissible data                                                errors.                                              1.8   Withdraw  To set the                                                                               A read confirmation is made                                          displayed followed by a code which locks the                                   descending                                                                               SMD from use. In this condition                                      register to                                                                              the SMD when read will show the                                      zero and  descending register as zero but                                      block the the original contents of the                                         SMD from  descending register is retained                                      use.      for later verification, if                                                     required by a service centre.                        2     OPERA-                                                                         TIONS:                                                                   2.1   User Access                                                                              To provide a                                                                             The PIN will be 4 digits and based                         PIN       user PIN to                                                                              on an algorithm derived from the                                     safeguard serial #. For the SMD the PIN is                                     use of the                                                                               fixed and is required each time                                      postage   the SMD is switched on. The PC                                       function. gives the user the option to enter                                             a PIN or not as well as the                                                    possibility to change the PIN.                                                 This flexibility is managed in the                                             PC. Service access to the SMD                                                  information is always possible via                                             the SMD service mode and unique                                                access code.                                         2.2   Zero test To enable This can be a menu selection via                           imprint   the user or                                                                              the PC. Zero test prints will not                                    service to                                                                               register on the USPS cycle                                           test the  counter. It is acceptable for the                                    system with                                                                              PC to add the word "TEST"                                            a zero value                                                                             diagonally across the print or in                                    postage   anther suitable format.                                              imprint; all                                                                   normal meter                                                                   functions                                                                      are active.                                                    2.3   Request   To enable This request can be initiated by a                         Postage   normal    user making a direct postage value                                   postage   entry or from a postage value                                        values to calculation with a scale or from a                                   be selected.                                                                             look-up table (menu). The PC                                                   sends the postage value to the SMD                                             together with the Mail                                                         class/service (complete with any                                               values reqd. eg insurance) and the                                             Destination ZIP + 4 + 2. It should be                                          possible for the user to set up a                                              print run for a batch of envelopes                                             comprising the same postage value                                              eg for a mailing. The user should                                              be advised if there is                                                         insufficient credit to complete                                                the run.                                             2.4   Issue     To provide                                                                               The SMD generates a secure indicia                         Postage   the PC with                                                                              postage file and sends this to the                                   the indicia                                                                              PC together with the license.                                        postage file.                                                                            This communication must be secure                                              and closed loop. Any failure in                                                this communication cycle prevents                                              further issue of postage together                                              with a fault message to the user.                                              The PC constructs the indicia                                                  print file comprising a 2D code,                                               graphics and human readable data.                                              The indicia print file together                                                with a CASS address and ZIP + 4 + 2                                            barcode and any user defined                                                   information is issued to the                                                   printer. Once the data is issued                                               to the printer it is fixed; it                                                 cannot be changed by normal PC                                                 application software.                                2.5   Re-print  To allow up                                                                              In the event of a printer                                  Postage   to 3 total                                                                               malfunction and the printer is                                       attempts to                                                                              lost the user can try up to two                                      print an  more times. This function is                                         indicia (fixed                                                                           managed by the PC since the SMD                                      state).   issues only one indicia for one                                                recorded postage. The PC adds a                                                "*" to the imprint and                                                         communicates the number of re-                                                 prints to the SMD.                                   2.6   Date      To advance                                                                               The user can select a forward date                         Advance   the date for                                                                             only for printing post. The                                          processing                                                                               postage date is managed by the                                       items for SMD. The user can request a                                          future    forward posting date up to 3 days                                    posting.  in advance.                                          2.7   Fault     To advise In the event that a fault is                               Message   the user of                                                                              detected by the SMD a fault code                                     a fault and                                                                              is generated and, if possible,                                       to give   communicated to the PC.                                              appropriate                                                                              Regardless, the PC displays a                                        instructions.                                                                            fault message. The fault code is                                               recorded in the SMD service                                                    history register. It is                                                        acceptable for the SMD to retain                                               only the last 10 faults.                             3     INSPEC-                                                                        TION:                                                                    3.1   Advanced  To advise Whenever the system is switched on                         Inspection                                                                               the user of                                                                              within one week of an inspection                           Flag      an upcoming                                                                              date the user will be advised that                         Warning   inspection.                                                                              a remote inspection is required by                                             the required date; a message tells                                             the user how to initiate an                                                    inspection. The date is                                                        controlled by the set inspection                                               date in the PC. An inspection can                                              be made at any time during this                                                warning period.                                      3.2   Inspection                                                                               To advise To display a permanent message on                          Reset     the user an                                                                              the date of expiry that an                                           inspection                                                                               inspection must be made this date                                    must be   otherwise the system will be                                         made by the                                                                              locked until the inspection is                                       expiry date.                                                                             completed.                                           3.3   Inspection                                                                               To make an                                                                               A remote communication is                                            inspection                                                                               initiated by the PC with the                                         of the SMD.                                                                              Inspection Centre. Provision                                                   shall be made for the Inspection                                               Centre to be a different telephone                                             number to the POC Direct Resetting                                             Centre. All registers are                                                      transmitted as with a POC Direct                                               Connect resetting plus usage                                                   statistics and number of reprints                                              register. It is assumed that the                                               inspection will have to be made                                                separately to a normal remote                                                  postage payment resetting.                                                     However, if transmission time                                                  permits, all the information                                                   communicated during an inspection                                              should also be included in each                                                read sequence of the normal                                                    postage resetting transaction.                       3.4   No        To block the                                                                             At midnight of the last date by                            Inspection                                                                               SMD in the                                                                               which inspection is required, the                          After Time                                                                               event that an                                                                            SMD is blocked and a user message                          Out (SMD  inspection is                                                                            is displayed on the PC. The                                Blocked)  not made by                                                                              message informs the user that an                                     the required                                                                             inspection must be made before                                       date.     further postage can be dispensed.                    3.5   Inspection                                                                               To advise If an inspection fails to be                               Failure   the user in                                                                              completed satisfactory for any                                       the event of                                                                             reason the system should try to                                      a failure to                                                                             reinitiate another inspection                                        complete the                                                                             cycle. Up to 3 maximum attempts                                      inspection                                                                               should be made before an error                                       satisfactory.                                                                            message is displayed. An error                                                 code is also recorded. A wait                                                  message should be displayed to the                                             user while the remote transmission                                             is in operation. When the                                                      inspection is complete a user                                                  message will be displayed together                                             with the next date an inspection                                               is required.                                         4     REPORTS:                                                                 4.1   Status    To print a                                                                               All user register information is                           Reports   report of all                                                                            communicated, upon request, to the                                   user non  PC. The PC defines the report                                        secure    format. The report shall have a.                                     registers.                                                                               title, date, license #, register                                               values and system set-up eg                                                    postage range, last inspection                                                 date, low credit warning level,                                                high value interlock level, etc.                     4.2   Postage Reset                                                                            To print a                                                                               Upon request, the SMD communicates                         Statement statement of                                                                             relevant information as listed in                                    new postage                                                                              the example given in DTG/F1724                                       payment.  dated 25.10.95. The PC defines                                                 the report format. Additional                                                  information listed in F1724 is                                                 provided from the PC. It should                                                be only possible to print the                                                  statement immediately after a                                                  postage payment transaction, ie                                                prior to printing postage.                           4.3   Usage     To print user                                                                            Reports can be provided by the PC                          Statistics                                                                               reports on                                                                               on usage, viz for any given period                                   system    by selected services or service,                                     usage.    the $ value and # of items sent.                                               The user should be able to print                                               the report in tabular and                                                      graphical representations. Note:                                               the SMD with also record basic                                                 usage statistics information which                                             can be transmitted during an on-                                               line postage resetting or                                                      inspection.                                          4.4   Audit Report                                                                             To print a                                                                               It is proposed that at the time                            Checksum  system usage                                                                             this report is made the current                                      audit report                                                                             values of the ascending and                                          with some descending registers are used to                                     level of  generate a validation code. This                                     validation.                                                                              code is generated by the SMD, on                                               request, and printed at the end of                                             the report. The code can be based                                              on a function of the above SMD                                                 registers and the license number.                    4.5   Service   To print in                                                                              A means shall be devised to put                            History   service mode                                                                             the SMD into a service mode. This                          Report    the contents                                                                             could be achieved, for example,                                      of the    with a dedicated PC software and a                                   service   service PIN. In this mode the                                        history fault                                                                            contents of the service history                                      register. fault register can be printed out.                                             The last recorded faults are                                                   retained even if faults were                                                   reset; resets are also recorded.                                               Fault codes should be printed with                                             a description of each fault code                                               listed.                                              5     FACTORY/                                                                       REPAIR:                                                                  5.1   Functional                                                                               To make a The SMD should contain sufficient                          Test      system    test software to enable a                                            functional                                                                               functional test to be made to                                        test via the                                                                             verify all basic functions, both                                     SMD       internal and coms, with the PC.                                      communica-                                                                               Note: a secure internal connection                                   tion with means is provided to allow the SMD                                   the PC.   to be initiatized during                                                       manufacture with direct memory                                                 read/write access and testing.                                                 This connection means is not                                                   accessible once the housing is                                                 applied without mutilation of the                                              housing.                                             ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         GPC/SMD Communications                                                         (Including Non-Factory/Repair Functions)                                                                     COMMUNI-                                                                       CATION                                                                         INITIATED                                                                              SECURE                                   ITEM  DESCRIPTION COMMENTS    BY      (YES/NO)                                 ______________________________________                                         1     SERVICES                                                                 1.1   INSTALL     UNLOCK FROM  GPC.sup.1                                                                             YES                                                        FACTORY                                                      1.2   RESET       RESET        GPC.sup.1                                                                             YES                                            POSTAGE     TRANSACTION                                                  1.3   SET RESET   LOCK AFTER  SMD     NO                                             CODE LOCK   16 WRONG                                                                       CODES & SEND                                                                   MESSAGE                                                      1.4   UNLOCK CODE RESET LOCK   GPC.sup.1                                                                             YES                                      1.5   REMOTE      READ STATUS  GPC.sup.1                                                                             NO                                             DIAGNOSTICS OF FAULT                                                           STATUS      REGISTERED                                                   1.6   RESET SOFT  RESET FAULT  GPC.sup.1                                                                             YES                                            FAULT       FLAG                                                         1.7   RECONFIGURE VARIANT      GPC.sup.1                                                                             YES                                                        CODE (E.G.,                                                                    FRACTIONAL                                                                     AND INSPEC-                                                                    TION PERIOD)                                                 1.8   WITHDRAW    SET DESCEND-                                                                                GPC.sup.1                                                                             YES                                                        ING REGISTER                                                                   FLAG TO ZERO                                                 2     OPERATIONS                                                               2.1   USER ACCESS             GPC     NO                                             PIN                                                                      2.2   ZERO TEST   GPC         YES                                                    IMPRINT                                                                  2.3   REQUEST     VALUE, CLASS,                                                                              GPC     NO                                             POSTAGE     SERVICE, AND                                                                   ZIP TO SMD                                                   2.4   ISSUE       INDICIA FILE                                                                               SMD     YES                                            POSTAGE     TO GPC                                                                         (ONLY ONCE)                                                  2.5   DATE        FUTURE POST GPC     NO                                             ADVANCE     DATE WITH                                                                      LIMITATIONS                                                  2.6   FAULT       USER        SMD     NO                                             MESSAGE     INFORMATION                                                  3     INSPECTION                                                               3.1   ADVANCED    USER        SMD     NO                                             INSPECTION  MESSAGE                                                            FLAG        FROM TIME                                                          WARNING     SET FLAG                                                     3.2   INSPECTION  USER        SMD     NO                                             RESET       MESSAGE TO                                                                     RESET FLAG                                                   3.3   INSPECTION  RESET FLAG   GPC.sup.1                                                                             YES                                                        IN SMD                                                       3.4   NO INSPEC-  USER        SMD     NO                                             TION AFTER  MESSAGE -                                                          TIME OUT    SMD BLOCKED                                                        (SMD        UNTIL                                                              BLOCKED)    INSPECTION                                                                     COMPLETE                                                     3.5   INSPECTION  USER        SMD     NO                                             FAILURE     MESSAGE                                                                        INSPECTION                                                                     COMPLETE                                                                       (YES OR NO)                                                  4     REPORTS                                                                  4.1   STATUS      SMD (NON-   GPC     NO                                             REPORTS     SECURE READ)                                                                   REGISTER                                                                       VALUES/                                                                        SET-UP                                                       4.2   POSTAGE     BEFORE/     GPC     NO                                             RESET       AFTER/TOTALS                                                       STATEMENT   INFORMATION                                                  4.3   USAGE       SERVICES/   GPC     NO                                             STATISTICS  MONEY                                                                          VALUE/                                                                         NUMBER                                                       4.4   AUDIT REPORT                                                                               PERIOD      GPC     YES                                            CHECKSUM    REPORT                                                                         CHECKSUM                                                                       VALIDATION                                                   4.5   SERVICE     REMOTE-     GPC.sup.2                                                                              YES                                            HISTORY     RESETTABLE                                                         REPORT      OR SELF-                                                                       RESETTING                                                                      FAULTS                                                       5     NON-                                                                           FACTORY/                                                                       REPAIR                                                                         FUNCTIONS                                                                      VIA SERVICE                                                                    PORT                                                                     5.1   INITIALIZE                                                               5.2   MEMORY                                                                         READ/WRITE                                                                     ACCESS                                                                   5.3   TEST                                                                     6     NON-                                                                           FACTORY/                                                                       REPAIR                                                                         FUNCTIONS                                                                      VIA GPC PORT                                                             6.1   FINAL                                                                          FACTORY TEST                                                                   (GPC                                                                           INITIATED)                                                               ______________________________________                                    

GPC 20, connected to communications medium 110 via communications interface device 50, accesses CMRS 105 for resetting SMD 10, auditing by postal authorities, and other purposes. This allows the entry of postage credit in a manner similar to conventional electronic postage meters. In the present invention, GPC 20 communicates with resetting station computer 120 to reset SMD 10 (i.e., add postage credit to the values currently contained in SMD 10). Other functions may, of course, be provided in a similar manner.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing SMD 10 designed according to the present invention. A battery augmented memory (BAM) 810 (and, optionally, a second BAM 820) receive data from and provide data to a memory controller 830. BAM's 810 and 820 may consist, for example, of static RAM memory and batteries for providing non-volatile storage of postage accounting information. This postage accounting information, as is well known in the art, generally includes an ascending register, a descending register and a control total register (none of which are shown in FIG. 4). As is also well-known in the art, an ascending register holds a value equal to the amount of postage used, a descending register holds a value equal to the amount of postage which remains unused and a control total register holds the sum of the ascending and descending registers. Memory controller 830 may be accessed by a control unit 800 or an I/O protection circuit 900. Control unit 800 accesses BAM's 810 and 820 by reading or writing on data lines 840, and controls these operations via control lines 870. I/O protection circuit 900 accesses BAM's 810 and 820 by reading or writing data on data lines 910, and controls these operations via control lines 920. I/O protection circuit 900 also contains a service port 880 and an I/O port 890. Service port 880 allows direct access (with proper access codes) to BAMs 810 and 820, for the repair and maintenance of SMD 10. I/O port 890 supports communications with a general purpose computer (not shown). A printer port 895 is optional and may be connected to a printer (not shown) to allow the printing of postage indicia directly from SMD 10. Such a configuration is shown in FIG. 5. Also shown in FIG. 5 is an SMD containing a network interface, allowing the transmission of encrypted postage indicia files to remote computers over a network. This configuration is discussed later in this section.

Control unit 800 communicates with service port 880, I/O port 890 and printer port 895 via control/data lines 930 and I/O protection circuit 900. Control unit 800 contains circuitry for controlling the functions of SMD 10, and may also contain a real-time clock (not shown) and memory (also not shown). Encryption may be performed by a sub-unit of control unit 800 (not shown; e.g., a hardware encryptor) or by software algorithm (e.g., the well-known RSA algorithm). SMD 10 may contain postage accounting information for a single department (e.g., the entire company is represented by a single account) or may contain postage accounting information for two or more departments within a customer's organization. Moreover, such departments may be widely dispersed geographically given the capabilities of the present invention. As use of the present invention consolidates postage accounting information, multi-site users will benefit from simplified, more efficient tracking of such information. The present invention will also make site-specific postage accounting information available to the user's central accounting facility and to the site accounting facility as well. The reader will note that the internal architecture of SMD 10 in the present invention parallels that of the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,307, by Quatse et al., the disclosure of which has already been incorporated herein by reference. Thus, the internal architecture of SMD 10 is well known and will not be described in further detail.

Beyond those already mentioned, many other advantages are provided by the present invention. The software and hardware required to implement the present invention are inexpensive in comparison to conventional postage metering systems, allowing postage metering dedicated to a particular user. Postage may be provided as an on-line service to individual sites of a multi-site user. In comparison to conventional postage meters, use of postage itself is simplified. The individual user or site need not maintain logbooks, lease equipment, comply with any special regulations, physically transport a postage metering device to a post office for inspection nor perform the other custodial tasks related to the use of conventional postage meters.

A second embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 6, operates in a manner similar to that of the above embodiment. Elements depicted in previous figures are referred to in FIG. 6 using the reference numerals assigned in the figure in which the given element originally appears. However, in this case, an SMD 210 is connected to resetting station computer 120 via secure communications link 230. In this configuration, a user needing postage, for example, enters their request using a GPC 20. GPC 20 communicates this request (containing information similar to that in the preceding example) to resetting station computer 120. This communication is accomplished via communications interface device 50, which provides access to communications medium 110 and thereby to communications interface device 130 connected to resetting station computer 120. Resetting station computer 120 relays the request to SMD 210. Multiple SMDs may be connected to resetting station computer 120 and may be organized in any fashion. For example, a customer may have all their postage information retained in a single SMD or multiple SMDs. Further, an SMD may contain postage accounting information for a single department (e.g., the entire company is represented by a single account) or for multiple departments.

SMD 210 responds to the request in the manner previously described, in this case by returning a secure (encrypted) postage indicia file and a license number. This information returns to GPC 20 via the communications path outlined above. GPC, 20 takes the information provided by SMD 210 and constructs a postage indicia print file, as before. The postage indicia print file, together with optional information (such as address information, ZIP-code barcoding and any user-defined information) is communicated to a printer 60 for printing. As noted above, Tables 1 and 2 include listings of other communications which can occur between GPC 20 (and so resetting station computer 120) and SMD 210.

A third embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 7, operates in a manner similar to that of the preceding embodiments. Elements depicted in previous figures are referred to in FIG. 7 using the reference numerals assigned in the figure in which the given element originally appears. However, in this case, a GPC 410 is connected to a local-area network (LAN) 500. Although LAN 500 is shown in a star topology, other computer network topologies and networking techniques may be used. GPC 410 is again connected to an SMD 400 via a secure communications link 420. In this configuration, a user needing postage, for example, enters their request using a GPC 430. GPC 430 may be one of several GPCs attached to LAN 500 (exemplified in FIG. 7 by GPCs 480(1)-(N)). GPC 430 communicates this request (containing information similar to that in the preceding examples) to GPC 410 via LAN 500. GPC 410 relays the request to SMD 400, which responds in the manner outlined in the preceding examples (i.e., SMD 400 generates encrypted postage indicia for transmission by the computer to a digital printer 440, where it is subsequently printed on a mailpiece (exemplified by malpiece 100)). Again, a CMRS 550 may be communicated with using a communications interface device 540, as can a remote ZCIS (not shown). However, a ZCIS computer 150 may reside on LAN 500 to provide ZIP-code information (in the manner previously described) to any computer connected to LAN 500.

In the example, GPC 410 then returns the encrypted postage indicia file generated by SMD 400 to GPC 430, which in turn constructs a postage indicia print file, as before. The postage indicia print file, together with optional information (such as address information, ZIP code barcoding and any user-defined information) is transmitted to printer 440 for printing. Tables 1 and 2 include listings of other communications which can occur. As in the preceding example, more than one SMD may be connected to GPC 410. Moreover, there may be multiple GPCs on the LAN providing postage. Numerous topologies and configurations are thus possible and are to be considered as part of this application. Additionally, SMD 400 may reside remotely at a resetting station computer (not shown) as part of a CMRS 550, as in the second example. Communications from GPC 430 would be transmitted over LAN 500 to GPC 410. GPC 410 sends the information to CMRS 550 via communications link 540. CMRS 550 responds and the information is passed back along the same path to GPC 430. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, an SMD 600 may provide these services directly to GPC 430 via LAN 500, without the need for GPC 410. Elements depicted in previous figures are referred to in FIG. 8 using the reference numerals assigned in the figure in which the given element originally appears.

A secure means of authenticating postage indicia is of great importance to the Unites States Post Office, which loses millions (and potentially billions) of dollars a year to the use of fraudulent postage indicia. In all the preceding embodiments, a printer imprints postage indicium and other information on mailpiece 100. As shown in FIG. 3, postage indicium 195 may include human-readable postage information 197 and encoded postage information 198. These can be used to determine the authenticity of the affixed mark. Encoded postage information 198 is generated in the following manner. Information from SMD 10 (and, optionally, from GPC 20) may be encrypted by SMD 10 using an encryption algorithm (e.g., DES, RSA or a comparable algorithm). The information is then converted into a printable binary code of some sort. Examples of a printable binary code include bar codes, data matrix PDF417 or other comparable method. An example of a data matrix is the data matrix described in the AIM USA Technical Specification entitled "Uniform Symbology Specification" (AIM USA Technology Group, Pittsburgh, Pa; Draft of May 18, 1995), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The PDF417 printable binary code is described in "RPS Multicode Bar-Code Label Guide" (RPS Roadway Package System, Draft of May, 1995 (Rev. 2)), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The data matrix method is of particular interest because it allows the printing of a relatively large amount of data in a small space. As the present application (postage on envelopes, labels and the like) requires minimal consumption of available area, efficient use of printing area is an advantage.

An authentication system 1000 for the detection of fraudulent postage indicia is shown in FIG. 9. ZIP reader 1100 reads human-readable postage information 197 and symbology reader 1200 reads encoded postage information 198. This information is passed to GPC 1300, where software (not shown) residing on GPC 1300 decodes, then (if required) decrypts encoded postage information 198. The software then compares this decoded information to human-readable postage information 197 and indicates whether or not the postage indicium is authentic. Other information may be provided by the user to aid in the authentication of the postage indicium. Aside from the advantage of small area, this method can also provide two levels of security. First, decoding a data matrix requires special software or at least an understanding of the techniques involved. Second, even if the data matrix is captured and decoded, encryption can be used to prevent viewing of any or all the data. Thus, this system meets the requirement for a secure, accurate means of authenticating postage indicia.

Moreover, while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to these specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in the form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, the present invention should not be limited by any one placement or connection of the SMD in the postage metering system. There may be one or many SMDs, each storing postage information for any number of user sites. Such sites may be local, or remote and widely dispersed geographically. Consequently, the scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular postage accounting system, comprising:secure metering means for securely storing postage accounting information and capable of generating a secure postage indicium and accounting for the generation of said secure postage indicium, wherein said secure postage indicium comprises encoded postage information subject to verification and at least one component of said secure metering means is housed in a physically secure housing, said physically secure housing being capable of preventing access to said at least one component; communication means for communicating with other computing means; and computing means, coupled to said secure metering means and coupled to said communication means, for controlling and retrieving postage information stored in said secure metering means and for conveying postage information to and from said other computing means using said communication means, said computing means being capable of causing said metering means to generate said secure postage indicium.
 2. A modular postage accounting system, comprising:secure metering means for securely storing postage accounting information and capable of generating a secure postage indicium and accounting for the generation of said secure postage indicium, wherein at least one component of said secure metering means is housed in a physically secure housing, said physically secure housing being capable of preventing access to said at least one component; printing means for printing said secure postage indicium and other information, wherein said secure postage indicium includes encoded postage information subject to verification, and obviates a need for said printing means to provide the physical security of said physically secure housing; computing means, coupled to said printing means and coupled to said secure metering means, for receiving postage information from and controlling said secure metering means and for causing said printing means to print said secure postage indicium, said computing means being capable of causing said metering means to generate said secure postage indicium; and communication means, coupled to said computing means, for allowing said computing means to send and receive postage information to and from other computers.
 3. A modular postage accounting system, comprising:a computer, having a first I/O port, a second I/O port and a third I/O port; a printer, having a first printer port, said first printer port connected to said first I/O port, said printer being capable of printing a secure postage indicium and other information from said computer; a modem, having a first modem port and a second modem port, said first modem port capable of being connected to a telephone line and said second modem port connected to said second I/O port for communicating postage information; and a secure metering device capable of generating said secure postage indicium and accounting for the generation of said secure postage indicium, having a first communications port connected to said third I/O port for communicating postage information between said secure metering device and said computer, wherein at least one component of said secure metering device is housed in a physically secure housing, said physically secure housing being capable of preventing access to said at least one component, and wherein said secure postage indicium includes encoded postage information subject to verification and obviates a need for said printer to provide the physical security of said physically secure housing.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising software residing on said computer for controlling said printer, said modem and said secure metering device, wherein said software is capable of causing said secure metering device to generate said secure postage indicium, causing said secure metering device to communicate said secure postage indicium to said computer, causing said computer to communicate said secure postage indicium to said printer, and causing said printer to print said secure postage indicium.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said secure metering device comprises:a first storage device and a second storage device capable of redundantly and securely storing postage information, wherein said first storage device serves as said at least one component; a secure communication unit for securely communicating with said computer; and a processor, coupled to said first and said second storage devices and coupled to said secure communication unit, for controlling said first and said second storage devices and transferring postage information from said first and said second storage devices to said secure communication unit.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said secure metering device comprises:a first battery augmented memory unit for storing postage information, wherein said first battery augmented memory unit serves as said at least one component; a second battery augmented memory unit for storing postage information; a memory controller, coupled to said first battery augmented memory unit and said second battery augmented memory unit; a microprocessor, coupled to said memory controller, for updating postage information stored in said first battery augmented memory unit and said second battery augmented memory unit, and communicating the information held in said first battery augmented memory unit and said second battery augmented memory unit; a memory unit, coupled to said microprocessor, for storing information required by said microprocessor; and a secure communications port, coupled to said microprocessor and coupled to said memory controller, for allowing the microprocessor to securely communicate with said computer and for allowing said computer to access said first battery augmented memory unit and said second battery augmented memory unit via said memory controller.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:a first automated reading means for reading human-readable information from said secure postage indicium; a second automated reading means for reading said encoded postage information from said secure postage indicium; and a computing means, coupled to said first automated reading means and coupled to said second automated reading means, for comparing said human-readable information and said encoded postage information, to determine the authenticity of said secure postage indicium.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:a first automated reading means for reading human-readable information from said secure postage indicium; a second automated reading means for reading said encoded postage information from said secure postage indicium; and a computing means, coupled to said first automated reading means and coupled to said second automated reading means, for comparing said human-readable information and said encrypted information, to determine the authenticity of said secure postage indicium.
 9. A modular postage accounting system, comprising:a computer, having an input/output port and a network port, said network port connected to a network for communicating postage information and secure postage indicia to other computers on said network; and a secure metering device capable of generating said secure postage indicia and accounting for the generation of said secure postage indicium, having a first communications port connected to said input/output port for communicating said secure postage indicia, postage information and control signals between said secure metering device and said computer, wherein at least one component of said secure metering device is housed in a physically secure housing, said physically secure housing capable of preventing access to said at least one component and said secure postage indicium includes encoded information subject to verification.
 10. A modular postage accounting system, comprising:a secure metering device capable of generating a secure postage indicium, wherein said secure metering device securely stores postage accounting information and at least one component of said secure metering device is housed in a physically secure housing, said physically secure housing being capable of preventing access to said at least one component; a printer, said printer capable of printing said secure postage indicium, wherein said secure postage indicium includes encoded postage information subject to verification and obviates a need for said printer to provide the physical security of said physically secure housing; a computer, coupled to said secure metering device and said printer, said computer controlling said secure metering device and retrieving postage information stored in said secure metering device, said computer capable of conveying postage information to and from other computers using said communications unit and causing said printer to print said secure postage indicium; and a communications unit, coupled to said computer, said communications unit allowing said computer to send and receive postage information to and from other computers.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said printer is capable of printing information in addition to said secure postage indicium.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising software residing on said computer for controlling said secure metering device, said printer and said communications unit, wherein said software is capable of causing said secure metering device to generate said secure postage indicium, causing said secure metering device to communicate said secure postage indicium to said computer, causing said computer to communicate said secure postage indicium to said printer, and causing said printer to print said secure postage indicium.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said secure metering device comprises:a first storage device and a second storage device capable of redundantly and securely storing postage information; a secure communication unit for securely communicating with said computer; and a processor, coupled to said first and said second storage devices and coupled to said secure communication unit, for controlling said first and said second storage devices and transferring postage information from said first and said second storage devices to said secure communication unit.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:a first automated reading means for reading human-readable information from said secure postage indicium; a second automated reading means for reading said encoded postage information from said secure postage indicium; and a computing means, coupled to said first automated reading means and coupled to said second automated reading means, for comparing said human-readable information and said encoded postage information, to determine the authenticity of said secure postage indicium.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said secure metering device comprises:a first battery augmented memory unit for storing postage information, wherein said first battery augmented memory unit serves as said at least one component; a second battery augmented memory unit for storing postage information; a memory controller, coupled to said first battery augmented memory unit and said second battery augmented memory unit; a microprocessor, coupled to said memory controller, for updating postage information stored in said first battery augmented memory unit and said second battery augmented memory unit, and communicating the information held in said first battery augmented memory unit and said second battery augmented memory unit; a memory unit, coupled to said microprocessor, for storing information required by said microprocessor; and a secure communications port, coupled to said microprocessor and coupled to said memory controller, for allowing the microprocessor to securely communicate with said computer and for allowing said computer to access said first battery augmented memory unit and said second battery augmented memory unit via said memory controller.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:a first automated reading means for reading human-readable information from said secure postage indicium; a second automated reading means for reading encoded postage information from said secure postage indicium; and a computing means, coupled to said first automated reading means and coupled to said second automated reading means, for comparing said human-readable information and said encoded postage information, to determine the authenticity of said secure postage indicium. 